The entire Lord’s was left shell shocked when Steve Smith came out to bat just minutes after walking off the field. Smith was forced to retire hurt after copping a brutal bouncer to the neck from England pacer Jofra Archer on day four of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Smith was batting on 80 when he took his eyes off a 92.4mph (148.7kph) bouncer from Archer and was hit in the back of his neck underneath his helmet.

The entire stadium was gasping in shock as Smith fell to the ground and immediately removed his helmet. Australia’s team doctor and physiotherapist were quickly out to the middle to check on Smith. The former Australia skipper then underwent a mandatory concussion test before leaving the field.

Before the blow on his neck, Smith had already needed medical attention when, on 70, he was hit on his forearm by Archer. The blow caused huge and sudden swelling. Smith’s arm was strapped and he was given a protective arm-guard to wear as he continued batting. It was a fiery spell from Archer where he hit a top speed of 96.1mph (155kph).

Not many would have thought that Smith would take a further part in the game let alone come out to bat in the same innings. However, he walked out to bat as soon as Peter Siddle returned to the pavilion. Smith was looking set to score his third consecutive ton of the series before Chris Woakes sent him back for 92. Smith received a standing ovation from the entire stadium as he made his way to the dressing room.

Meanwhile, the cricketing world was blown away by Smith’s bravery. Here are some of the tweets in praise of Smith for coming out to bat after that sickening blow.

I get the pantomime of @stevesmith49 arrival to the crease and the booing but please stop booing once he plays with great skill,courage and incredible discipline !!! he deserves a standing ovation for that innings … #Ashes#Lords